Roses
Sigurd - Gran 758
"Why are roses associated with romance?" I asked as I looked through some growing in the garden. I wondered if it was something Ethlyn once babbled about, but I had no idea. "And what other flowers are associated with love?"
"Why, Sigurd, are you constructing a message in a bouquet for your lady love~?" Aideen teased, giggling. I wasn't sure why she was in the gardens, but whatever the reason, it clearly wasn't as important as teasing me. "Oh, how romantic~!"
"I've done it with you before?"
"You have, yes, but this is different!" She kept on giggling and I decided to simply yield to her. Wasn't like I had much romantic experience. Or any, really. "There's a few, but we should go to a florist for that. For now, just go with roses. Deirdre is fascinated by them."
"She's fascinated by most flowers." The Spirit Forest had plenty of flowers, of course, but only those that could grow with minimal light. So, things like the gardens were places of wonder for her. That was why I wanted to give her some. "I suppose I should stick with the classic red for now."
"Yes, because I'm sure she knows what a red rose symbolizes." Aideen kept on giggling, though, and leaned on my back when I knelt down to pick some roses. "I can't believe you had a love and didn't tell me! I told you about…" She looked around cautiously before continuing in a whisper. "About my feelings for Midir."
"It's so fun to scandalize you, though." I grinned at her and she swatted my shoulder. "Is Deirdre doing okay? She tells me she is, but I can see she's frazzled…"
"Nothing that Ethlyn didn't go through during the days before her wedding." Which Aideen would know better than me. Aideen had been Ethlyn's Maid of Honor, after all. "I'm a tad more worried about Alicia, since Alicia's helping plan all of it!"
"Like you're not helping!"
"Well, of course I am. Weddings take a lot of time." Aideen pointed to one rose in particular, just above where I was picking. "Take that one. You're removing the thorns, right?"
"Well, of course I am." I plucked the rose requested and gathered them all together, smiling. "I think this is enough? For now, at least."
"Mmm… no, one more!" She pointed to another one, and I picked it too to add to the bouquet. She was definitely the expert of us two, after all. "There! Nine!"
"Special meaning?"
"In Grannvale, nine roses means 'eternal love' and 'I want to be with you forever'. Which, trust me, I will be sure to make sure Deirdre knows~!" Aideen giggled, yet again, and straightened so that I could actually stand up. "I'm happy for you, you know? She's absolutely wonderful and she seems to know just what to say to make you smile."
"Thank you, Aideen." I leaned down a bit to kiss her forehead before resting mine against hers. "Think you'll confess to Midir? I know he makes you happy as well."
"W-well…" Aideen began to blush, but she smiled. "I am… considering it more. But first, I want Jungby to recover a bit more."
"Of course." Part of me did want to prod more, but honestly, that was the closest she had ever gotten to saying 'I will'. "Ah, I should get these to Deirdre. Where is she?"
"Probably having tea with Alicia, since they finished up getting fitted for their dresses not long ago." Aideen smiled and began pushing me down the path. "And no peeking at the dress! You get to see it during the wedding, mister!"
"Okay, okay!"
Aideen pushed me all the way into the castle before leaving to do whatever she had been doing before. I caught her in a hug before heading to the infirmary. Because whenever Alicia was involved, the infirmary was the first place to check. And, lo and behold, I was correct in that she and Deirdre were there, even though there were no patients. Alicia noticed me first, but when she saw the flowers, she smiled knowingly and made an excuse to duck into the back. Leaving me free to give Deirdre the bouquet without an audience. Letting me bask in the beauty and warmth of her smile all by myself.
Roses suited Deirdre well. I'd have to give her more, later.
Author's note: Quick, short little thing to show more of Aideen and Sigurd's friendship. And it's Valentine's day, so why not?